ORLANDO, Fla. – Orlando city officials confirmed Wednesday that 11 birds, including nine swans, an anhinga and an ibis, have died at Lake Eola, though the cause of death remains unknown.
City Commissioner Patty Sheehan told News 6 that the total number of deceased birds was lower than previously reported.
“It was not as high as we thought, which makes me happy. But there’s just been a lot of misinformation swirling around,” Sheehan said.
The city of Orlando is working with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and a local veterinary team to determine what caused the deaths. Officials said it could take several weeks to receive results from necropsies, or animal autopsies.
“I mean, they had said we’d get it by Friday. Now they’re saying 30 days… I understand that people want the information now,” Sheehan added.
Park visitors said the news is upsetting. John Moore, who recently moved to the area, called the deaths “really sad” and recalled attending a bird roundup at the lake just weeks ago.
“I cannot imagine coming to Lake Eola Park and not seeing the swans and all the birds,” another visitor, Andre Alvz, said,
Some, however, said the deaths are a natural part of life.
“It’s Florida, okay? There are animals everywhere living and dying,” said one man, who declined to give his name.
As a precaution, city crews are sanitizing and cleaning areas around the lake every morning from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. Sheehan said the city is treating the situation as a worst-case scenario with avian flu to protect the public.
Officials are urging visitors not to touch wildlife or feed birds until the investigation is complete.
They also say to take precautions with your pets as well, including avoiding contact with bird excrement, and removing your shoes before entering your home and cleaning them off.
If you see sick or dead birds, FWC asks that you fill out THIS survey on the agency’s website.